Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has told Lee Cattermole he is a future England international.

The England Under-21 midfielder’s knee ligament problems cost him any remote chance of a World Cup trip this summer.

But Bruce believes he will be a contender for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

He said: “I’ve got a lot of respect for Catts. He’s still only 21. If he keeps his head down, he’ll have a wonderful career.

“Who knows what may happen in four years’ time?”